The Study
on Substack
WHERE THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES
Essays. Creative writing.
Photography. Civic reflection.
All in one place.
For many years, the Humanities North Dakota magazine shared stories, essays, photography, and ideas from across the Northern Plains and beyond. It created space for reflection, curiosity, and thoughtful conversation about the humanities.
In April 2025, federal funding reductions required us to pause publication. While difficult, this moment created an opportunity to rethink how we gather, share, and respond to ideas in a changing media landscape.
The Study on Substack is the next chapter of that work.
A DIGITAL HOME FOR IDEAS AND CONVERSATION
Where ideas are not just shared, but engaged with.
The Study on Substack brings together essays, creative writing, photography, and civic reflection in a format that allows for ongoing dialogue. Instead of waiting for a printed issue, we now publish regularly and invite readers to engage directly through comments, sharing, and submissions.
This is not simply a replacement for the magazine. It is a more immediate, participatory space where ideas can evolve in real time.
WHAT WE PUBLISH
Six recurring features exploring literature, place, civic life, and the creative spirit of our communities.
ArtsTable
Arts · ND Council on the Arts
A Program of the North Dakota Council on the Arts — spotlighting artists, creative work, and cultural initiatives across the state.
Civic Lens
Civic Life · Bi-Monthly
Accessible essays connecting civic history to contemporary life and inviting thoughtful reflection on citizenship.
BookNook
Libraries & Bookstores
Short features highlighting libraries and independent bookstores through recommendations and glimpses into local reading life.
Writer’s Desk
Creative Writing
Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and reflective work from our community. This section relies heavily on reader submissions.
Snapshot
Photography & Art
A visual companion to Sense of Place. Submit photographs or artwork capturing everyday life, environment, and community.
SUBMISSIONS
WELCOME
Sense of Place
Essays & Poetry · Bi-Monthly
Longer essays and poetry exploring landscape, memory, and belonging across the Northern Plains and beyond.
Interested in contributing to The Study Substack?
The Study Substack is a space for ideas, stories, creativity, and reflection from across our community.
We welcome submissions for ArtsTable, Civic Lens, BookNook, Writer’s Desk, Snapshot, and Sense of Place, including essays, creative writing, poetry, photography, artwork, and features about books, libraries, civic life, culture, and place.
We publish once a month and review submissions on a rolling basis. If you have something you would like to share, we invite you to send it our way.